Constant changes in equipment, gluing methods, and training
methods have had a large effect on the evolution of styles
within our sport. The decade of the nineties has seen the
decline of two styles, the passive chopper and the passive
half-distance topspin player. In their place, a stronger more
balanced attacking style has emerged, the All-Round Attacker.
This can be seen in both shakehands and penholder versions, with
the penholder version incorporating the new reverse penholder
backhand loop technique. Recently, the switch to the 40mm ball
has changed both stroke techniques and tactics; and even now,
playing styles are evolving quickly to take full advantage of
the new ball's playing characteristics. Table Tennis is an
ever-evolving sport that requires both coaches and players to
constantly update their knowledge.

The purpose of this article is to examine the eight styles
currently in use at the World Class Level. If you are uncertain
of your style or wish to better identify which style is best for
you, then please read What Style Should
You Play. These styles include:

This series of
articles will provide you with the strengths and weaknesses of
each style, along with some suggested robot drills to help you
develop your game. In reading the descriptions you may find
that your personal style will have attributes from more than
one. However, you should be able to recognize your dominant
style (“A” style) and your secondary style
(“B” style). Each article will also give you some
suggestions on tactics to use against the other styles of
play. Hopefully the style descriptions will serve as a guide
in analyzing your own.

Attacking
Chopper

Description:

This style can be best
thought of as an attacker who uses underspin to set up their
attacking shots. Players of this style most often use two
different racket surfaces and will flip the racket to
produce great variations in their defense and their
attack.

Attacking Choppers
usually have powerful forehand loops or kills. They will
strongly attack any weak return by their opponent, as well
as any third ball opportunity. Placing less backspin on a
return than the previous return will often result in a
pop-up that can be killed. A heavier than normal backspin
return often results in a safe push return that can be
looped. For players of this style, patience and footwork are
the keys for advancing to a high level.

Strengths:

Great
variation of strokes and spin puts opponents under a lot of
pressure.

Against the Attacker — Pips-Out Penholder:
When serving keep most serves short and always look to third
ball attack if the opportunity is there. Your first chop
should be directed deep to a corner to force your opponent
to move and thus execute a weaker first attack. Then vary
your chops trying to force the opponent into errors. Attack
any high slow moving ball or long drop shot.

Against the Attacker — Pips-Out Shakehands:
Same general tactics except you can direct more first chops
wide to the forehand of the shakehands hitter.

Against the Attacker — Inverted Looper:
Same general tactics as above but be even more careful to
stay out of the middle with the first chop. No spin chops
will be effective against this style.

Against the Attacker All-Round: You will need a
higher degree of attack against this style, as they are the
most consistent of the attackers. Also use some mid-distance
serves. If their return is slow, look to third ball attack.
Make this style play a lot out of their wide forehand
corner.

Against the Counter Driver: Your style matches up
well against the Counter-Driver. This style prefers topspin
returns and your constant diet of varying backspin often
befuddles this style. Nonetheless, you will need to be very
patient against this style. Do not take chances with your
defense or attack. Wait for a high ball then finish with a
kill shot rather than a loop.

Against the Mid-Distance Aggressive Looper: Same
general tactics as playing the Inverted Looper. You must be
ready for their strong backhand loop as well. When you get
an opportunity to attack, attack the middle.

Against the Close to the Table Defender: Same
general tactics as playing against the counter driver.
Placing your set-up chops to the center of the table reduces
the angles that the Close to the Table Defender can use
against you to prevent your attack. You may get more
opportunities to step around and use your forehand attack
from the backhand corner.